European politician demands full EU visa ban for all Russian citizens

European Parliament member Dirk Gotink has called on the European Union to stop issuing the full range of visas to Russian citizens, Euronews reported. Gotink, a member of the European People's Party, argued that the bloc must act while Russia continues its military attacks against Ukraine. [1]

Euronews reported that Gotink wants the European Union to signal to Russian elites that the invasion of Ukraine is also their problem. He stated that Russians should not be allowed to drink margaritas on European islands while their political leader bombs civilians in Ukraine. [1]

The remarks come as Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022 and became the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. Meanwhile, former journalist Alexandra Prokopenko stated that many Russians are seeking to avoid military conscription and turn against Vladimir Putin, according to the Daily Express. [3][10]

Tensions surrounding the conflict have escalated further following recent military actions. The Daily Mail reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries after expressing anger over a deal signed between United States President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to purchase Russian diesel. [6]